SIMON SAYS

Age Level: 3 and up

Number of Players: 2 or more

What Is Needed: nothing

Type of Game: competitive or noncompetitive

Location: inside or outside

HOW TO PLAY

An adult or the birthday child is Simon at first. Simon faces the rest of the players, who stand where they can see Simon well. Simon gives commands for the children to follow, such as "Simon says, 'Clap your hands,''' or "Simon says, 'Kick your feet.''' The children are to obey only those commands that begin with the words "Simon says." If the command does not begin with these words (for example, "Stamp your feet"), the players should ignore it.

COMPETITIVE VERSION

Any player who obeys a command not preceded by "Simon says" is out. Speed up the game as the children get good at it. The last player left wins.

NONCOMPETITIVE VERSION

Enjoy a good laugh with the child who obeys a wrong command, but do not send this child out of the game. Keep on playing until interest wanes.